Nicaragua Matagalpa Organic Washed SHG EP | Light Roast | Organic Specialty Coffee
Discover the vibrant character of Nicaragua with this exceptional organic specialty coffee from the lush highlands of Matagalpa. Carefully cultivated by more than 900 smallholder farmers of the UCCEI Cooperative (Unión de Cooperativas de Cafés Especiales Cordillera Isabelia), this washed-process coffee showcases the remarkable clarity and sweetness that have made Nicaragua one of Central America's most respected coffee origins. Founded in 2009 by coffee farmer and agronomist Kenia Ubeda, UCCEI is committed to producing outstanding specialty coffee while investing in sustainable agriculture, farmer education, healthcare, and economic opportunities that strengthen local communities.
Our light roast highlights the coffee's naturally bright and refined character with tasting notes of almond, cane sugar, black tea, and a touch of citrus. The washed processing method creates a remarkably clean coffee with a medium body, lively acidity, and a crisp, refreshing finish that allows the origin's unique terroir to shine.
This coffee is graded SHG EP (Strictly High Grown, European Preparation). These are two designations that reflect exceptional quality. Strictly High Grown (SHG) coffees are cultivated at elevations between 1,100 and 1,350 meters above sea level, where cooler mountain temperatures slow the development of the coffee cherries. This extended maturation creates denser beans with greater complexity, brighter acidity, and more concentrated sweetness. The European Preparation (EP) signifies that the beans have undergone additional hand-sorting and defect removal, ensuring a cleaner, more consistent lot that meets the higher standards of specialty coffee.
Located among Nicaragua's volcanic mountains, Matagalpa offers ideal conditions for growing extraordinary coffee. Rich volcanic soils, abundant rainfall, cool mountain air, and shade-grown cultivation contribute to coffees recognized for their balance, sweetness, and remarkable clarity. The region's diverse microclimates allow traditional varieties such as Caturra, Catuai, and Catimor to develop their distinctive flavor profiles while preserving biodiversity and soil health through sustainable agroforestry practices.
Only fully ripe coffee cherries are selectively hand-picked before being depulped, naturally fermented, thoroughly washed, and carefully dried on open patios. This washed process enhances the coffee's clean structure and vibrant acidity while allowing its delicate sweetness and citrus-forward character to shine.
All of our coffee is roasted in small batches to highlight the unique characteristics of its origin. Our light roast profile preserves the vibrant citrus notes, delicate sweetness, and tea-like elegance that make this Matagalpa coffee an exceptional choice for pour-over, drip brewing, or anyone who appreciates a bright, refined cup.
Whole Bean or Ground | Available in 4 oz Sampler | 1-Pound Bag
Coffee Details
Origin: Matagalpa, Nicaragua
Altitude: 1,100 - 1,350 MASL
Producer: UCCEI Cooperative (Unión de Cooperativas de Cafés Especiales Cordillera Isabelia)
Varieties: Caturra • Catuai • Catimor
Processing: Washed
Roast Level: Light
Certification: Certified OrganicTasting Notes: Almond • Cane Sugar • Black Tea • Citrus
Certified Organic | Light Roast | Specialty Grade | Roasted Fresh by Caffeinatrix
